Question

Pick a social group and describe how that group is portrayed in wider popular culture - media (advertising, music video, magazines).

Answer 1

Enunchs from times immemorial have struggled to earn a place of respect in the society.In this progressive time,the potrayal of hijras in media has played an important role in their acceptance by the society.They are looked upon with respect now.

Factors that create a strange space for enunchs in society are their gender identity disorder,infertility,unemployment and asexuality.However, their divine power,auspiciousness and ability to give blessings have earned them a place like neither of the sexes.They are called upon on festive occassions or during birth,marriages as their blessings are considered to be divinely supreme and serve as a boon.However,they are treated as strange but accepted.Indians fear that upsetting the hijras will lead to a curse and try to please them whenever they encounter a hijra.Their role is only confined to blessings,boon and curses.They dont get employment or respect in the society for that matter.This is the reason why at every trafffic signal in India,you would see a bunch of hijras begging as they have no other means to sustain themselves.People dont like talking to hijras and are viewed as strange.A hijra born in the house of a couple(male and female) is usually abandoned by the family as he is supposed to bring bad name or omen to the family.Thus,an enunch is disowned by the parent(who believe hijra is born due to bad deeds in the past) who has no other option apart from joining the community of hijras and get a sense of belonging and utter acceptance in that community.

The media by including them in ted talks,speeches,debates have honoured them.We are not a long way to them feeling free to do whatever they like and yet get respected for the same.